November 27th 2023.
The Mahalaxmi temple on Bhulabhai Desai Road in Mumbai will be celebrating its annual Annakut ritual on November 27th. Annakut is a Hindu ritual which translates to a mountain of food, and is observed in many temples and religious celebrations. This custom is observed on ‘Tripurari Poornima’ or Kartik Poornima, which falls on the first full moon day after Diwali.
A staff member of the temple stated that during the day, 56 dishes are offered as naivedya to the goddess, and then distributed to the devotees. He further commented that each temple observes the Annakut ritual on different days, like the Mumbadevi temple which celebrates it on another day.
The food is prepared in the temple itself, and is offered to the deity between 12.30pm and 5pm. After the evening prayers or aarti, the food is distributed to the devotees as prasad.
The Mahalaxmi temple is a 16th-century settlement with a long history, and is now facing the threat of redevelopment. However, the local community of Matharpacady is fighting to preserve this unique Hindu temple and ensure that its annual Annakut ritual continues to be celebrated.
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